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Meet Cybraryman- Jerry Blumengarten

Jerry Blumengarten (@cybraryman1) is guest hosting #mdeschat this Thursday, December 12th at 9 p.m. ET. We “sat down” with Jerry to learn a little more about him and his awesome website: www.cybraryman.com.

1. What would people be surprised to know about you?

I have a Maryland connection. My daughter attended the University of Maryland – College Park. She met her future husband (who is awesome) there. He is from Perry Hall. They were married at the chapel on the campus and the reception was held at the Alumni Center. Our Friday night gathering was at our favorite restaurant- Sir Walter Raleigh Inn in the Maryland Sports room.

We owned a townhouse in College Park during her years there. Not only did I teach, but I wrote for a company (30+ years) that provided educational materials for the utility industry. I did research at the National Agricultural Library in Beltsville, Goddard Space Center in Greenbelt and at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

2. What year did you start using Twitter? How has Twitter changed since you began using it?

I signed onto Twitter in May of 2009, but did not start using it until that summer and I stumbled on #edchat. The first people I followed were @coolcatteacher @web20classroom @shellterrell @tomwhitby

The biggest change, aside from more educators using Twitter, is the explosion of chats that now cover most subjects & grades as well as states.

3. What would you tell people who say they don’t have time for Twitter?

First you have to introduce Twitter without saying the name: “Do you know about “The Free Educational Support & Discussion Media System?” You cannot force anyone to take the time to go on. Show them the advantages.

4. Why did you start your website?

After being a classroom teacher (grades 6-9) for 20 years (mostly Social Studies) I was asked to take over the library. I decided to start a library website for the students, parents and school staff. I wanted a one-stop educational place where they could find useful information in all subject areas. After I retired I expanded the site to include all grade levels and subject areas.

5. Who inspires you?

My greatest idols before Twitter were Dr. Albert Schweitzer and Mother Teresa who gave their lives to help others. Today, I have so many educators and those interested in education on Twitter who inspire me.

Find and then follow the educational hashtags for your grade level or subject area. It is okay to start out by lurking. Do not be afraid to ask for help or share on Twitter. The Twitter educational community care, share and support one another.